On Wednesday, a sailing crew got into distress in rough conditions west of the island of Rügen when smoke developed in the engine room of their yacht. This was reported by the DGzRS. Fortunately, the crew managed to smother the source of the fire using several fire extinguishers before the emergency services arrived. However, this was not the end of the problems for the sailors.
Safe escort to the harbour
Although the acute risk of fire had been averted, seasickness, strong winds and difficulties with the sails affected the crew. The sea rescuers who had arrived in the meantime therefore decided to escort the yacht safely to the next harbour.
Finally, off Zingst, a crew member of the "Nis Randers" was transferred to assist the crew in recovering the sails. The daughter boat of the rescue cruiser took the yacht in tow and brought it to the new island harbour of Prerow.
Total loss after fire on motorboat
However, the fire on a motorboat that broke out in the harbour of Konz at the confluence of the Saar and Moselle rivers ended in a total loss. After Information from the regional news portal lokalo.de several fire brigade units were dispatched to the marina yesterday afternoon. A boat was on fire there, causing a thick cloud of black smoke that was visible from afar, according to the report.
Fire extinguishers should always be to hand:
The firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and, in particular, prevent the flames from spreading to other boats in the harbour. However, the motor yacht involved could no longer be saved. It is not yet known what caused the fire; the police are investigating.
Effectively ward off fire and other hazards
Fire on board, especially when it breaks out at sea, is one of the most dangerous events for pleasure boaters. Those affected have hardly any time to react. The source of the fire must be localised and the flames smothered in a matter of seconds. For this purpose, it is highly advisable to keep several fire extinguishers with different extinguishing agents on board at different, quickly accessible locations.
If a fire cannot be fought quickly, it will spread rapidly throughout a yacht. In addition, toxic vapours are produced as smoke develops. For example, if you stay below deck too long to extinguish a fire that has broken out in the engine compartment or galley, you run the risk of life-threatening smoke inhalation.
Checklists for the most common emergencies on board
We have summarised the most common causes of boat fires and how to avoid them and what to do if they do break out in a detailed report here on yacht.de described. In addition to fire on board, there are other dangers when boating that every crew should be prepared for. Whether it's a broken mast, loss of rudder, water ingress or a crew member falling overboard: Checklists help to prepare for maritime emergencies.
